The Western Gibb Gorge Adventure
5 Day Derby Self-Drive
Five days gives you time to slow down and properly experience the western section of the Gibb River Road. Travel from Derby through the dramatic limestone country surrounding Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek before heading into the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges for waterfalls, swimming holes and classic Kimberley landscapes.
Day 1: Derby to Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge)
Collect your vehicle in Derby and begin your Kimberley road trip.
Make an optional stop at Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre before joining the Gibb River Road and continuing towards Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge).
Spend the afternoon exploring the gorge beneath its towering limestone walls and looking for freshwater crocodiles along the Lennard River.
Stay: Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) Campground.
Day 2: Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek & Bell Gorge
Leave camp and travel to Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek).
Allow plenty of time to walk through the natural limestone tunnel. The return trail is approximately 2 kilometres and includes sections through water, so a torch and suitable footwear are essential.
Continue back towards the Gibb River Road, then turn east towards the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges and the Bell Gorge area.
Stay: Dulundi (Silent Grove) Campground or nearby accommodation.
Day 3: Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge)
Today is deliberately slower.
Spend the morning exploring Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) and its impressive waterfall, rocky escarpments and swimming hole.
The gorge trail is approximately 2 kilometres and leads to viewpoints above the falls, with an extension continuing down towards the pool below.
Rather than immediately getting back on the road, spend the afternoon relaxing around the area.
Stay: A second night around Bell Gorge or Silent Grove.
Day 4: Bell Gorge to Galvans Gorge & Manning Gorge
Continue east along the Gibb River Road.
Stop at Galvans Gorge, one of the more accessible gorge stops along this section of the Gibb, before travelling onwards towards Mount Barnett Station and Manning Gorge.
The Bell Gorge to Manning Gorge section is approximately 126 kilometres.
Set up camp and enjoy a quieter afternoon around Manning Creek.
Stay: Manning Gorge campground.
Day 5: Manning Gorge to Derby
Get an early start for the walk into Manning Gorge.
The walk is approximately 3 kilometres each way and begins with a creek crossing before heading across exposed and uneven country towards the gorge. The large pools around Manning Gorge make it one of the Western Kimberley's best-known swimming locations.
After your walk, begin the return journey west along the Gibb River Road to Derby.
Manning Gorge is approximately 306 kilometres from Derby, so allow plenty of time and avoid planning a late departure.